Cambridge United hope to have a new head coach in place before the run of Christmas games, a message from the board confirmed.

Board member Godric Smith, writing in United's matchday programme for the game against Yeovil Town, confirmed that formal interviews for the role - which more than 60 people have applied for - will take place in the coming week.

The message builds upon head of football Ben Strang’s interview with the CambridgeshireLive last week, in which he confirmed that United were stepping up the process of recruiting Joe Dunne’s successor.

Smith also said that funds would be made available for the new head coach in January.

“We are obviously not where we want or need to be in the league at the current time and we are all hoping for a change of fortunes starting today (against Yeovil),” the statement read.

“We have now entered the next stage in the appointment process for Joe’s long-term successor.

“It has been a question of balancing speed with thoroughness. We have been encouraged by the number and calibre of the applicants and believe we will be in a position shortly to make the right appointment for the club both this season and our longer-term future.

“We will be moving to formal interviews over the coming week and our hope is to have a permanents head coach before the Christmas run of games if at all possible.

“The fixtures come thick and fast and ideally we need certainty before then if at all possible. It is also important that the head coach position is sorted before the start of the January transfer transfer window for which funds are available and planning is well underway to identify potential targets.”

It continued: “Finally thank you to all our fans. Your support has been first class home and away through thick and thin this season.

“We know that things have not been the easiest but you have always stuck behind the team.

“Support makes everyone stronger and we know just how much they appreciate it.”